BMW’s M3, scheduled for launch next year, will feature V8 power for the first time, derived from the same powerplant propelling its road-rocket siblings, the M5 and M6. The 4.0-liter engine should deliver 415 hp via a seven-speed sequential manual gearbox or an optional six-speed manual.

In these photos our spy caught the M3 on a test drive near Munich, allowing us to reveal the car from every angle. Note the large air intakes at the front end, wider fenders and four exhaust pipes.

BMW’s sunshine-loving buyers will have to wait an extra year for the convertible M3, along with a rumored four-door “bring the family” M3 sedan.